Review - - Laird of the Black Isle

Yesterday, I took a look back at Tristan MacGregor, one of my favorite heroes created by the very talented Paula Quinn. Today, let's jump forward in time to Quinn's newest novel, Laird of the Black Isle. In this book, we meet Tristan's beloved daughter, Mailie and Lachlan MacKenzie, the emotionally tortured hero who abducts her from her family only to, eventually, hand her his heart...and win hers in return. I've read their story twice and am already looking forward to visiting these characters again. 



Laird of the Black Isle
By Paula Quinn
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: May 29, 2018
Reviewed by PJ

Lachlan MacKenzie, Laird of the Black Isle, may still draw breath but his life as he knew it ended two years ago with the deaths of his wife and young daughter. Their murders sent him on a rampage and when he found their hired killers he showed no mercy. But satisfaction was fleeting, leaving a hollow, scarred shell of the man he once was. He's become a recluse, quietly and anonymously seeing to the needs of his clan but holding himself apart, not allowing any of them to get close to him. Then comes an emissary of Ranald Sinclair, Earl of Caithness with incredible news: Annabel, his daughter, lives and all Lachlan has to do to be reunited with her is to abduct the earl's beloved, bring her to Black Isle and wait for word from the earl. Lachlan is an honorable man but he's also a father desperate to believe in the possibility of a miracle. He knows abducting Mairie MacGregor is wrong and he regrets his actions almost immediately but he'd do anything for the return of his precious child. 

Mairie MacGregor is no timid lass and she is not Ranald Sinclair's beloved, facts she makes abundantly clear to the beast who has kidnapped her. If he refuses to release her she'll make sure he wishes he had. Lachlan craves quiet and solitude. Mairie talks his ear off. He lives in darkness. She floods his home with light. He resists interacting with the villagers. She brings two young orphans home to live with him. At first, her actions are designed to annoy but once she discovers the reason for her abduction, Mairie, who has always known the love and support of her family, opens her heart to his dilemma and begins searching for solutions. As Mairie and the children work their magic, Lachlan's emotional shields begin to lower, allowing glimpses of the kind, loving man beneath the pain, anguish, and desperation. And slowly, so very slowly, she begins to pull him back into the light, back into life, into the first, fragile tendrils of love. 

"I slept well." He smiled back. He looked happy and it made her heart soar. "And 'tis...ehm...'tis nice to wake up and see ye."
"That was difficult to say," she teased.
"I am not eloquent," he told her on a throaty growl as she came close. And then closer still.
"Nae, and I like it. 'The less there is of eloquence' " - she said, quoting "The Sleeping Beauty" - " 'the more there is of love.' "
He blinked, looking lost and utterly adorable. She'd let him think about it.

Mairie is confident her family will find her eventually but by the time they do will she still want to leave or will Lachlan, Will and Lily have captured her heart completely? And what of Sinclair? The man is pure evil and, judging by his past deeds, there's a good chance he's lying about Annabel in order to get to Mairie. She's terrified by the prospect of what he will do to her if he has her in his control but if there's even a shred of possibility that Lachlan's daughter lives, how can she not sacrifice her own freedom if it will bring Annabel home? 

I loved this book so much. From beginning to end, it grabbed my heart and never let go. I wasn't sure if Quinn would ever create a hero who could rival Tristan, Mairie's father, in my affections. It seems fitting that Lachlan MacKenzie, the man who gives his heart to Tristan's beloved daughter, should also be the hero to equal Tristan in mine. I loved the push and pull between him and Mairie, the snappy banter, the reluctant attraction, and the fact that even when she pushes him to his limits he never snaps but always treats her with care. As with Quinn's previous books, there's a fair amount of humor in this story as well as heartfelt emotion. The poignancy of Lachlan's interactions with the orphaned Will and Lily in the face of his own losses brought me to tears more than once. Mairie is a wonderful heroine and exactly what I would expect of Tristan and Isobel's daughter. Her confidence, compassion, intelligence, humor, bravery, and fierce protectiveness of those she holds in her heart make her a true MacGregor and a perfect match for Lachlan. I loved them, both individually and as a couple. 

Laird of the Black Isle stands well on its own though, as someone who has read all of the books in this series, it was a special treat to see MacGregors from previous books make appearances in this book. I especially enjoyed the father-daughter scenes between Tristan and Mairie (the older Tristan is still as sigh-worthy as when he won Isobel's heart) as well as those between Lachlan and the MacGregor men. The resolution of the villain's storyline was quite satisfying (I may have cheered) and the twist at the end was a lovely surprise. Also, the more I see of Mailie's cousin, Adam the more excited I become for his book, Highlander Ever After, due to be released December 18, 2018. It's my understanding that this will be the last book in this long-running series. I think it may be time for a series re-read. These characters are among my favorites, their journeys well worth the taking, and while I'm sad that there will be no new MacGregors on the horizon, I'm looking forward to whatever Paula Quinn has in store for readers next. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

  
Do you enjoy a multi-book series?

How do you feel about a multi-generational family series?

What's the last family-centric series that captured your heart?

Are you going to miss the MacGregors as much as I am?

One randomly chosen person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, May 27, 2018 will receive a Kindle copy of Seduced by a Highlander (Tristan's and Isobel's story) and Laird of the Black Isle (Lachlan's and Mailie's story). 

TBT Review: Seduced by a Highlander

Seduced by a Highlander was my introduction to the sweeping, adventure-filled, sensual, romantic historical romances of Paula Quinn. I fell hard for Tristan MacGregor, the hero of this book, and he's been the standard by which I've measured all other Quinn heroes. To be sure, there have been many wonderful heroes over the fifteen books in this world of Quinn's creation but none has surpassed Tristan in my reader's heart...until now. Laird of the Black Isle, which releases May 29, 2018 tells the story of Lachlan MacKenzie and it's only fitting that the hero who finally equals Tristan in my affections should fall in love with Tristan's beloved daughter, Mailie. But more about that later. First, let's take a look back at Tristan and Isobel and Seduced by a Highlander.




Seduced by a Highlander
By Paula Quinn
Children of the Mist - Book #2 
Publisher: Grand Central - Forever
Release Date:  September 1, 2010 
Reviewed by PJ - October 3, 2010

Where have I been that I haven’t read a Paula Quinn novel before now? I love medievals, especially those set in Scotland. I love deeply emotional stories, simmering with passion, heart-felt romance and delightful humor, a heroine who will fight to protect her family, a hero who will go to any lengths to surround her with his love and clan feuds that threaten to tear them apart – all key elements in Seduced by a Highlander, a superbly written story by my newest “go to” author, Paula Quinn. 

Tristan MacGregor adored his uncle, Robert Campbell and grew up wanting to be honorable and chivalrous, just like his uncle and the knights of old in his stories. He never imagined that a youthful scuffle with Alex Fergusson would lead to Robert's death, a dark moment that broke Tristan's heart and changed the course of his life. 

For ten years, Isobel Fergusson has hated the despicable MacGregors, ever since they avenged Robert Campbell's death by murdering her father and leaving Isobel and her six brothers orphaned and penniless. When she and two of her brothers travel to England for the Duke of York’s coronation, the last thing Isobel expects to find is romance. She’s much too busy caring for her family to be bothered but a chance encounter with a charming rogue leaves her enchanted…until she discovers that the rogue is a member of her family’s most hated enemy…the MacGregors. But Tristan is equally enchanted and determined to convince Isobel that he’s not the enemy.

     “My name is Tristan,” he said, wanting her to see the man she had seen in the garden when they first met. “And if we had no’ been interrupted the other night, I would have told ye that I dinna’ approve of what our kin have done.”
     She laughed, but the sound of it left only anger drifting across the damp courtyard. “Ye are the son of the Devil.”
     “But I was reared by another man.”

Returning home to their small farm, Isobel tries to put Tristan out of her mind but he, and the single kiss they shared, refuse to go away, especially when Tristan arrives at the Fergusson farm determined to convince Isobel to give them a chance despite the many obstacles in their way. Obstacles that include the six Fergusson brothers, especially the youngest brother whose mischievous ways just may end up killing Tristan before he can prove that he means them no harm.  I love the interaction between Tristan and Isobel's brothers where Quinn uses the humor and determination of young boys to show us the type of man Tristan is beneath the carefree, charming rogue. Rather than detract from the story, the brothers add another dimension that only makes it more satisfying.  

Will Tristan and Isobel find a way to heal one another’s hearts? More importantly, will they succeed in healing the deep hatred between the families that are so important to them or will one of them be forced to turn their back on their own clan in order to claim the love that is more important than their next breath?

Paula Quinn has created a deeply romantic, sweeping story of Highland feuds and everlasting love that went straight to my keeper shelf.  I have no doubt though that it will be pulled down many times for re-reads over the years to come, if for no other reason than to visit with Tristan, a hero who makes my heart sigh.  Who wouldn't love a man who says to his heroine...

     "Lookin' at ye is like baskin' in the summer sun after a long, cold winter.  'Tis like seein' home after a battle that's left ye empty and alone."  He kissed her mouth, her nose, her eyes.  "I dinna' know how 'tis possible, but each time I see ye, ye grow more beautiful to me."

If you want a story that will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone and leave you sighing with pleasure, pick up a copy of Paula Quinn's Seduced by a Highlander!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of Paula Quinn's highlander novels? Do you have a favorite book? A favorite couple? 

Do you have a favorite romance hero who is the standard by which you judge all others?

Today's Special - - A Highlander's Christmas Kiss

Title: A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss

Author: Paula Quinn

On Sale: September 27, 2016

Series: Highland Heirs, #5

Publisher: Forever

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Price: $7.99 USD

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A STRANGER'S SMILE
Christmas may be coming to Linavar, but Temperance Menzie is far from joyful. Grief-stricken over the death of her father at the hands of the Black Riders, she almost didn't see the wounded stranger in the woods. And now she's determined to give this braw, brooding Highlander the help she couldn't give her father. But there's a secret lurking in the depths of his blue-gray eyes. And Temperance won't rest until she uncovers it . . .

A LOVER'S KISS
A killer for hire. It's the last thing Cailean Grant ever thought he'd become, but being part of the Black Riders was his only way to survive. Now, his guilt grows day by day, along with his desire for the beautiful, brave lass nursing him back to health. As Christmas, the season of miracles, draws near and the truth of his identity threatens to come out, Cailean must risk the only thing he has left to lose – his heart.

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PJ's Thoughts:

Paula Quinn has a talent for creating a sense of time and place that immediately immerses me in her fictional world and characters who I come to love like family. I've followed her outlawed but honorable MacGregors and Grants into a second generation and will happily continue reading about their lives and loves as long as Ms. Quinn continues to write their stories. 

In Temperance and Cailean, Quinn has created one of my favorite MacGregor/Grant couples in an emotional story that will be going straight to my keeper shelf. I highly recommend A Highlander's Christmas Kiss. 

This book stands well on its own but for maximum reading pleasure, and to better understand Cailean, you may want to first read The Taming of Malcolm Grant. 

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A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss

Excerpt

She stopped walking and pulled on his hand to stop him as well. “Who am I to you?”

What? What had he said? He realized quickly enough, scowled, and then smiled, giving in to what his heart was telling him. “Ye are—” He paused, not truly sure what to say. He hadn’t wanted to care for her, but he did. He’d let her in, but how could he have denied her entrance? She’d been through much, thanks to him, and yet she still smiled, she still sang, she still had compassion to help him heal.

He began again, reaching for her. He pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her plaid- encased body, shielding her from the wind. “Ye are my candle in the dark.” He stopped again to take her in. He smiled. “I’m better at puttin’ a quill to m’ words than I am at speakin’ them.”

Her wide, beautiful eyes glittered like the snow dusting the braes. He wanted to lose himself there in the expectant hope that lit her gaze.

“You’re doing just fine,” she assured him softly. “Continue, please.”

He shoved aside everything on his mind but her. What was left scared the hell out him. “I canna—”

She waited in silence while he fought his demon for her. Her hope began to fade to disappointment.

It made him smile to think her hope was to be with him and she was waiting to hear him tell her.

“I canna take my gaze from ye, lass. No matter what I’m doin’, m’ eyes find their way back to yer rich dark hair fallin’ over yer flawless jaw, the relaxed curl of your bottom lip that tempts my legs to bring me to wherever ye are. I lay awake at night imaginin’ yer soft inhalations of breath. They fill my heart with something other than mortar and fury. I want to bring ye to me but I’m unworthy of yer dreams. Still, I want to be in them, as ye are in mine.”

“You see?” she said breathlessly. “Just fine.” She closed her eyes and parted her lips when he dipped his head to hers.

He moved his mouth over hers, basking in the intimacy of kissing her, capturing her short, eager breaths. His senses came alive and he used each one of them to fill himself with her. She tasted like passion and innocence. When he slipped his tongue over hers, she opened her arms and coiled them around his neck, covering them both in his plaid. He listened to her heart beating like ancient drums. Or was it his own heart he was hearing? He withdrew a hairbreadth so he could look at her again. The sight of her dreamy-eyed and wanting more nearly drove him mad. He brushed his nose across her temple to her hair, drinking in the scent of her, like the familiar fragrance of peat and pine. “Ye’re bringin’ me back to life, lass.”

He kissed her again, barely holding back the passion raging inside him to be released.

New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn lives in New York with her three beautiful children, three over-protective chihuahuas, and a loud umbrella cockatoo. She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.

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Today's Special - - Paula Quinn

I'm delighted to welcome historical romance author Paula Quinn to TRD today. It took Paula's family a while to convince her to submit her stories but I am so glad that she did! She's been publishing her highlander romances since 2005 and her MacGregors of Camlochlin are one of my favorite fictional families. Her newest book, The Taming of Malcolm Grant is a second generation story that stole my heart. A few fun facts about Paula from her website:

 My character who... 
...I fell the most in love with: Callum MacGregor. 
...made me smile the most: Finlay Grant 
...I found the sexiest: Dante Risande, Prince Gareth and Tristan MacGregor 
...I wanted to slap a few times: Claire Stuart 
...affected me in a profound way: William the Conqueror 
...I want to be friends with: Maggie MacGregor and Davina Montgomery 
...I find distractingly handsome: Connor Grant 
...sex scenes were the easiest to write: Connor Grant and Brand Risande 
...I hated: all of my villains

For more information about Paula and her books, visit her website and connect with her online (links at the end of this post). 

Welcome, Paula! Congratulations on the release of The Taming of Malcolm Grant. I’ve been looking forward to this story for the longest time. Please tell our readers what they can expect from Malcolm and Emma’s book.

Thank you so much for inviting me! It’s a pleasure to be here!

Hmm, what can you expect from Malcolm and Emma’s book? You can expect sizzle! Lots of swagger from a hero who has basically had every thing, including women, handed to him with the slant of his smile. You can expect him to fall flat on his handsome face when he meets a woman who isn’t affected by what she sees. You can expect romance and action and even a seeing eye dog.

Emma is one of my favorite heroines from the MacGregor/Grant series. What inspired you to create a blind character and why did you feel she was the right woman for Malcolm?

I already knew Malcolm from my precious books and I knew he needed someone to set him straight,

someone who wouldn’t be moved by his physical appearance. I knew Malcolm was changing from his earlier days, but it wasn’t enough to win the heart of someone like Emma. 

Emma doesn’t see with her eyes but with her heart, her intuition, her hands. Malcolm’s appearance doesn’t mean a damn thing to her. She’s looking for a good man with a good heart, a man of honor.  Lucky for Malcolm, the first “glimpse” she has of him is him rescuing her beloved dog.

Dogs play a pivotal role in many of your books. What role do they play in your real life?

Oh, gosh, there isn’t enough time! I grew up with dogs. My dad brought home my first dog when I was three, a black lab/terrier, who shared my life for fifteen years. I currently am owned by six Chihuahuas whose collect weight is twenty-three pounds. They are the light of my life and bring joy to me everyday.

Malcolm is so much more than he appears to those who take him at face value. In what ways did he surprise you while creating his story?

When Malcolm first appeared in The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell, he was a careless rake whose only mission in life was to fight and bed women. He did both often and well.  I saw changes in him when he appeared in The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd. When he sided with his sister, Caitrina ‘s decision to stay with her pirate and leave Camlochlin, I saw traces of regret that he hadn’t known love. Before I began writing his book, I sensed him as a lonely man in a mask with a very complex heart and a fear of never finding what his heart truly wanted.

You’re very skilled at creating a sense of time and place within your books. What draws you to the medieval era and to Scotland in particular?

Thank you for the huge compliment! I’ve always been drawn to the past, especially the medieval era. Much like my characters, I grew up on stories of King Arthur and his knights.  If there is a king or a knight involved, I’m in!  Scotland began to tug on my heartstrings about six years before I wrote the book that started it all, Laird of the Mist. I’d cry at the sound of bagpipes, fall into a dreamy daze looking at pictures, etc. It took a long time to tackle a Scotland set story because I thought it would be too emotionally draining. It was. Researching and writing about the MacGregors and the proscription against them had me crying more than I was writing.  They are the clan of my heart and I’m so honored to tell their stories.

What’s the last book that made you laugh out loud?

I have to say—mostly because I don’t have much time to read—that it was one of my own. Seduced By A Highlander. Tristan and Tamas. J

October is the month when changing leaves, college football and homemade soups bring me joy. What are you looking forward to this month?

Ah, sweaters and boots and scarves. Scarves are my weakness. Not sweating will be nice too!

Where can readers connect with you online?

I love to connect with my readers. I can be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Paula-Quinn-Author-336691429368/timeline/

And on Twitter @Paula_Quinn

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/quinnsromance/

What’s next from Paula Quinn?

I’m currently working on book 1 of 4 of my Highland Heirs Part 2 series. Cailean Grant, Malcolm’s younger brother gets his own story!

Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Paula. Would you like to ask our readers a question?

Thank you so much for having me! I had a blast!

Readers,  describe your perfect Highlander.

Readers, you know how much I enjoy sharing books I've loved. Leave a comment on today's post for a chance to win a copy of one of my favorite MacGregor books, Seduced by a Highlander.

Read my review of Seduced by a Highlander here.

Today's Special - - The Great Scots Blog Tour

I love Highlander historical romances and those written by Paula Quinn and Sue-Ellen Welfonder are among my favorites.  In The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell, Quinn introduces us to a new generation of MacGregors and Grants.  I loved the parents' stories and am so excited to now travel the path to happily ever after with their children.   Quinn is off to a wonderful start with Edmund and Amelia's story.  I couldn't put it down! ~PJ

About THE SEDUCTION OF MISS  AMELIA BELL

Edmund MacGregor will do anything to save Scotland from English rule-even kidnap Lady Amelia Bell for ransom. As the daughter of a duke and the chancellor's betrothed, she's the perfect pawn in this game. But from the moment he first lays eyes on his spirited captive, he can't resist stealing a kiss.

Lady Amelia's duty is to marry well, but that hasn't stopped her from fantasizing about true love. So when a sexy Scot appears in her home, she's beguiled. When he kidnaps her, she's furious. Yet as Edmund introduces her to a world of passion beyond her wildest dreams, can she leave her family behind for this handsome Highlander? And will Edmund risk the only true home he's ever known to capture the heart of this lovely lass?

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About Paula Quinn

New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn lives in New York with her three beautiful children, three over-protective chihuahuas, and a loud umbrella cockatoo. She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven.  She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.

Learn more here:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

I haven't read To Love a Highlander yet (it releases April 29th) but just knowing it's part of a series titled "Scandalous Scots" has me counting down the days.  Welfonder is one of my favorite medieval romance authors and many of her Highlanders count among my favorites.  ~PJ

About TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER
As one of the bastards born to the Stirling court, Sorley the Hawk has never known his mother or father. It's a burning quest he has devoted himself to uncovering at any cost. But as a roguish warrior who serves at the pleasure of the King, his prowess-both on the battlefield and in his bedchamber-is legendary. So when a flame-haired Highland lass sneaks into his quarters with a tantalizing proposition, he can't resist taking her up on her offer .

Lady Mirabelle MacLaren will do anything to keep from marrying her odious suitor, even sully her own good name. And who better to despoil her than his sworn enemy, the one they call "Hawk?" As they set about the enjoyable task of ruining her reputation, Hawk and Mirabelle soon learn that rebellion never tasted so sweet.

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About Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Sue-Ellen Welfonder is a Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty-year career with the airlines.

Now a full-time writer, she's quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity, as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.

Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a 450-year-old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.

Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell terrier in Florida.

Learn more here:
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Review - - Seduced by a Highlander

Seduced by a Highlander
By Paula Quinn
Children of the Mist - Book #2
Publisher: Grand Central - Forever
Release Date:  September 1, 2010

Where have I been that I haven’t read a Paula Quinn novel before now? I love medievals, especially those set in Scotland. I love deeply emotional stories, simmering with passion, heart-felt romance and delightful humor, a heroine who will fight to protect her family, a hero who will go to any lengths to surround her with his love and clan feuds that threaten to tear them apart – all key elements in Seduced by a Highlander, a superbly written story by my newest “go to” author, Paula Quinn.

Tristan MacGregor adored his uncle, Robert Campbell and grew up wanting to be honorable and chivalrous, just like his uncle and the knights of old in his stories. He never imagined that a youthful scuffle with Alex Fergusson would lead to Robert's death, a dark moment that broke Tristan's heart and changed the course of his life.

For ten years, Isobel Fergusson has hated the despicable MacGregors, ever since they avenged Robert Campbell's death by murdering her father and leaving Isobel and her six brothers orphaned and penniless. When she and two of her brothers travel to England for the Duke of York’s coronation, the last thing Isobel expects to find is romance. She’s much too busy caring for her family to be bothered but a chance encounter with a charming rogue leaves her enchanted…until she discovers that the rogue is a member of her family’s most hated enemy…the MacGregors. But Tristan is equally enchanted and determined to convince Isobel that he’s not the enemy.

     “My name is Tristan,” he said, wanting her to see the man she had seen in the garden when they first met. “And if we had no’ been interrupted the other night, I would have told ye that I dinna’ approve of what our kin have done.”
     She laughed, but the sound of it left only anger drifting across the damp courtyard. “Ye are the son of the Devil.”
     “But I was reared by another man.”

Returning home to their small farm, Isobel tries to put Tristan out of her mind but he, and the single kiss they shared, refuse to go away, especially when Tristan arrives at the Fergusson farm determined to convince Isobel to give them a chance despite the many obstacles in their way. Obstacles that include the six Fergusson brothers, especially the youngest brother whose mischievous ways just may end up killing Tristan before he can prove that he means them no harm.  I love the interaction between Tristan and Isobel's brothers where Quinn uses the humor and determination of young boys to show us the type of man Tristan is beneath the carefree, charming rogue. Rather than detract from the story, the brothers add another dimension that only makes it more satisfying. 

Will Tristan and Isobel find a way to heal one another’s hearts? More importantly, will they succeed in healing the deep hatred between the families that are so important to them or will one of them be forced to turn their back on their own clan in order to claim the love that is more important than their next breath?

Paula Quinn has created a deeply romantic, sweeping story of Highland feuds and everlasting love that went straight to my keeper shelf.  I have no doubt though that it will be pulled down many times for re-reads over the years to come, if for no other reason than to visit with Tristan, a hero who makes my heart sigh.  Who wouldn't love a man who says to his heroine...

     "Lookin' at ye is like baskin' in the summer sun after a long, cold winter.  'Tis like seein' home after a battle that's left ye empty and alone."  He kissed her mouth, her nose, her eyes.  "I dinna' know how 'tis possible, but each time I see ye, ye grow more beautiful to me."

If you want a story that will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone and leave you sighing with pleasure, pick up a copy of Paula Quinn's Seduced by a Highlander!

~PJ

Review -- Ravished by a Highlander

Ravished by a Highlander
by Paula Quinn
Publisher: Grand Central
Release Date: May 1, 2010






"Do you know how difficult it is to know your family exits, living their lives every day without you, without wanting you in it? I used to pray for him to come for me – him and my mother. But he never did. Later I understood why, but it did not lessen the isolation. I filled my days with dreams of being someone else. Someone not vital to the kingdom. Just me – out there, living, loving, with no fear of tomorrow. I languished over how different my life would have been if I wasn’t the daughter of the Catholic heir to the throne, until I finally hated that I was, and accepted my fate without a fight.” She turned in his arms, the shadows gone from her eyes as she looked up at him. “And then you snatched me from the ashes and stirred by dreams back to life.”




Davina Montgomery is the true firstborn daughter and the heir to the throne of the newly crowned king, but only a handful of people know she exists. Hidden away from the world when she was an infant, Davina has grown up at Saint Christopher’s Abbey. The sisters and the small group of the King’s Royal Army tasked with keeping Davina safe are the only family and friends she has ever known. Feeling deserted by her family, especially her newly crowned father, Davina dreams of a different life. One full of family, friends, and a special man who will never, EVER leave her. But the weight of responsibility seems to crush those ever precious dreams. When enemies of the crown attack the abbey, Davina doesn’t run to the chapel to pray or hide away in fear. Oh no! Instead, Davina races to the top of the bell tower and with a steady hand shoots her arrows with accuracy. As the battle turns bloody and the abbey is ablaze, a man appears in the mist of the smoke just as Davina prepares to meet her maker.

Robert MacGregor is the firstborn and heir apparent to Callum MacGregor’s title as Clan Chief of the MacGregors of Skye. Raised from birth to know the duties of a clan chief and to act as leader with the best interest of the clan foremost in his mind, Rob is a strong and determined man of honor. Riding with a small group of men to London to join his father for the coronation celebrations, Rob and his men arrive at Saint Christopher’s Abbey as the bloody battle is raging. Determined not to join in a fight that is not his or to bring any wrath upon his clan, Rob prepares to skirt by the battle but is cut off from his intentions by the searing pain of an arrow piercing through his shoulder. An arrow shot from the bell tower! Yes, the bell tower. As Rob and his men enter into what has now become their fight, Rob comes face to face with a captain in the King’s Royal Army. The captain begs Rob to save Lady Montgomery at all costs. Being the honorable man he was raised to be, Rob rides through the burning abbey and locates Lady Montgomery. He pulls her into the safety of his arms just as exhaustion and despair takes over her body.

As Rob follows the code of honor to the letter and does everything in his power to keep Davina safe from harm, emotions having nothing to do with honor bubble to the surface and test Rob in his resolve. Does the life of a woman he barely knows come before the safety of his entire clan? Every day spent in the company of lovely Davina makes answering this question all the more difficult.

And just as Rob is wrestling with emotions and the consequences of decisions made by those emotions, Davina is caught between the world she has dreamed of and the world of her royal responsibilities. Being held in the arms of a tender Highlander has awakened her dreams of wanting to be loved more than anything, but the fear of abandonment opens the doors to doubt and possibly a self-sacrificing decision.

Even though both Rob and Davina wrestle with some pretty tough decisions, this book is filled with love, laughter and of course passion. The journey to love seems to have many twists and turns, but these two navigate the obstacles fairly well and learn from the mistakes they make. The love shared between Rob and Davina is not only filled with passion (you know those Highlanders!), but an all encumbering sweetness that at times left me in tears.

He dipped his mouth to hers and carried her to the bed. “Does it please ye, Davina?”

She nodded, unable to form the words without weeping. Yes, yes, it pleased her. Oh, God, yes! Everything he did pleased her. Every button in her gown that he loosened, every tender kiss he pressed to her exposed flesh, pleased her. He saved her life and sheltered her in the safety of his capable arms. She didn’t think anything could make her love him more – until he picked flowers for her!

Yes, this strapping hunk of a highlander actually picked flowers for his bride to have in the bedroom on their wedding night. Now if that doesn’t bring a sigh to your lips, then you just can’t be a woman!

Ravished by a Highlander is the first in the Children of the Mist series. For those who loved Laird of the Mist, you will be so happy to read this new series as it focuses on the four grown children of Callum and Kate MacGregor, the hero and heroine of Laird of the Mist. And if this book is any indication of the caliber of this series, then we are all in for a wonderful treat!


~ Buffie